Business 15 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
East Africa Leads Africa's Economic Surge with Steady 6.4% Growth Forecast
East Africa remains Africa's top-performing region, with GDP growth projected at 6.4 percent for both 2025 and 2026, driven by infrastructure investments and service sector productivity. Standout economies include Ethiopia at 9.8 percent, Uganda at 7.8 percent, and Rwanda at 7.3 percent. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/east-africa-tops-africa-growth-rankings-5425262
East Africa is solidifying its status as Africa’s economic leader, according to the latest projections from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). The region anticipates real GDP growth of 6.4 percent in 2025 and 2026, dipping slightly to 6.3 percent in 2027. This robust outlook stems from ongoing infrastructure development, recovery from past shocks, and gains in service-driven economies.
The AfDB’s Africa Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook (MEO) report, unveiled on March 30, 2026, in Abidjan, notes broad-based strength across the region. Over half of the 13 East African countries are set to exceed 4.0 percent growth, with nine achieving this in 2026 and 2027.
Key performers include Uganda at 7.8 percent growth with 4.2 percent inflation, Rwanda at 7.3 percent, Ethiopia leading at 9.8 percent, and Tanzania at 6.1 percent.
West Africa follows with 4.6 percent growth in 2026, fueled by stabilization and domestic demand. North Africa expects 4.2 percent in 2026 and 4.4 percent in 2027, boosted by agriculture, tourism, and extractives. Central Africa’s growth is forecasted at 4.2 percent in 2026 and 4.3 percent in 2027, supported by oil, minerals, and infrastructure.
Southern Africa lags with the continent’s slowest expansion due to structural issues, power shortages, logistics problems, and weak diamond exports.
AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah emphasizes the need for macroeconomic stability paired with structural reforms to build resilience and tap Africa’s potential.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)